February 2014

“I don’t think there’s a better place in the world to grow apples than New England and in particular the Berkshires,” says John Vittori, co-owner of Hilltop Orchards and Furnace Brook Winery. Though they grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts, Vittori and his sister Wendy always loved the Berkshires, and in 1987 they bought a 200-acre orchard with trees dating back to 1920. “At the time it was a real stretch because we had no agricultural background. But I always enjoyed a challenge, and I had a love of food. This site in Richmond, with the southern exposure, is perfect for growing apples, so we decided to build our business around all they can do for us.”